We’re in a message series called “Spiritual Warfare.” The Bible teaches that as believers, we are in a battle against unseen evil spiritual forces. Behind every conflict in the world, whether armed battles or cultural battles between right and wrong, are invisible demonic beings. The recent Supreme Court decision legalizing homosexual marriages is a recent example of the unseen battle coming out into the open.
Isaiah 5:20 (NIV) Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
In this decision, that which the Bible clearly calls evil has been celebrated as good. The institution of marriage created by God has been perverted by applying the concept to unholy unions.
Proverbs 17:15 (NASB) He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
When our judges justify and promote sinful lifestyles and condemn those who follow God’s truth, it is an abomination to the Lord and judgment is sure to come. God’s Word is truth and true believers follow God’s truth in all of the Bible. When Jesus Christ changes a heart and someone becomes a new creation in Christ, they then understand what is true and what is false, what is blessed and what is cursed. As we proclaim God’s truth, sinners will repent, hearts will change and ultimately, society will come to its senses once again.
Today, our message is entitled “Facing Temptation.” An important aspect of personal spiritual warfare comes down to facing and not giving in to the temptations of the evil one.
James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
God allows temptations into our lives as tests or trials. God desires for his children to persevere, resist and temptation and pass the test. Satan on the other hand wants us to fail to test by giving into temptation. With God’s help we can be victorious in facing temptation.
In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was tested by God 40 years in the wilderness. They were tested to see whether they would obey or disobey God.
Hebrews 3:8-9 (NIV) do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.
Israel failed the test and all except two perished in the desert. Today, we’re going to see how Jesus passed the test and resisted temptation. We’re going to learn how to face temptation in our own lives and stand strong.
Message Audio, Outline & Study Guide
Spiritual Warfare Message Series
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